Anticaries Effect Research Articles

Fluoride concentration in bottled waters sold in Chile

Bottled water consumption has currently increased and their fluoride (F) concentration may not be ideal in terms of caries benefit or risk of fluorosis. While low concentrations would have little anticaries effect, high F concentration would increase the risk of dental fluorosis. To measure F concentration in bottled waters sold in Chile. Thirty bottles of water were purchased (15 sold as mineral water, six sold as purified water and nine as favored water). Samples were analyzed in duplicate with a previously calibrated ion-specific electrode. Mean F concentration of each product was calculated and expressed as ppm F (mg F/L). A mean (± SD) concentration of 0.39 ± 0.42, 0.02 ± 0.006 and 0.11 ± 0.18 ppm F for mineral, purified and favored waters respectively, was found. Three samples were within the optimal F concentration recommended for drinking water in Chile, which ranges from 0.6 to 1.0 ppm F. Two were above such concentration and the others below. Only two waters displayed F concentration information in the label, which was corroborated by the analysis. Only 10% of the bottled waters commercialized in Chile have potential to prevent caries. The F concentration in most of them does not represent an increased risk of fluorosis.

Insoluble NaF in Duraphat® may prolong fluoride reactivity of varnish retained on dental surfaces.

There is no consensus about the clinical recommendation of the time that Duraphat® varnish should be maintained on enamel surfaces without suffering mechanical disturbance by the patient. Considering the importance of calcium fluoride (CaF2)-like reservoirs on the anticaries effect of professional fluoride application, an in vitro study was designed to test the reactivity of Duraphat® varnish with enamel forming these reservoirs as a function of time. Since most fluoride in Duraphat® varnish is insoluble to react and form products on enamel, the relative contribution of the varnish soluble and insoluble fluoride fractions to the reactivity was also evaluated. For this, whole-varnish, containing soluble and insoluble fluoride (total fluoride concentration of 23699 ± 384 µg F/g), or centrifuged varnish, containing only soluble fluoride (fluoride concentration of 258 ± 97 µg F/g), were applied in a standardized manner on enamel slabs (n=8/varnish group/time), which were immersed in continuously renewed artificial saliva for up to 36 h. CaF2-like reservoirs formed on enamel by varnish application were extracted using 1 M KOH and fluoride concentration was measured with ion specific electrode. The results were expressed as µg F/cm(2) of enamel area. Whole varnish formed significantly higher fluoride concentration on enamel than centrifuged varnish, reaching maximum concentration at 24 h (22.0 ± 4.5 µg F/cm(2)). Centrifuged varnish reached maximum concentration at 6 h (3.20 ± 0.81 µg F/cm(2)). In conclusion, a longer varnish retention time than the usually recommended could improve the anticaries effect of Duraphat® varnish, allowing that NaF particles, initially insoluble in the varnish matrix, prolong the reactivity with enamel.

The effect of fluoride toothpaste on root dentine demineralization progression: a pilot study

The anticaries effect of fluoride (F) toothpaste containing 1100 µg F/g in reducing enamel demineralization is well established, but its effect on dentine has not been extensively studied. Furthermore, it has been shown that toothpaste containing a high F concentration is necessary to remineralize root dentine lesions, suggesting that a 1100 µg F/g concentration might not be high enough to reduce root dentine demineralization, particularly when dentine is subjected to a high cariogenic challenge. Thus, the aim of this pilot study was to evaluate in situ the effect of F toothpaste, at a concentration of 1100 µg F/g, on dentine demineralization. In a crossover and double-blind study, conducted in two phases of 14 days, six volunteers wore a palatal appliance containing four slabs of bovine root dentine whose surface hardness (SH) was previously determined and to which a 10% sucrose solution was applied extra-orally 8×/day. Volunteers used a non-F toothpaste (negative control) or F toothpaste (1100 µg F/g, NaF/SiO2) three times a day. On the 10th and 14th days of each phase, two slabs were collected and SH was determined again. Dentine demineralization was assessed as percentage of SH loss (%SHL). The effect of toothpaste was significant, showing lower %SHL for the F toothpaste group (42.0 ± 9.7) compared to the non-F group (62.0 ± 6.4; p < 0.0001), but the effect of time was not significant (p > 0.05). This pilot study suggests that F toothpaste at 1100 µg F/g is able to decrease dentine caries even under a high cariogenic challenge of biofilm accumulation and sugar exposure.

Effect of low-fluoride toothpastes combined with hexametaphosphate on in vitro enamel demineralization

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the anticaries effect of low-fluoride toothpastes combined with hexametaphosphate (HMP) on enamel demineralization. MethodsBovine enamel blocks were subjected to pH cycling and treatment with toothpaste's slurries (15 groups; 2×/day). Toothpaste mixtures contained the following: no fluoride (F) plus HMP (from 0 to 3.0%); 250ppm F plus HMP (from 0 to 3.0%); 500ppm F; 1100ppm F; and a commercial toothpaste (1100ppm F). After pH cycling, surface and cross-sectional hardness, as well as F present in the enamel were determined. The demineralization depth was analyzed using polarized light microscopy. The variables were subjected to 1-way ANOVA, followed by Student–Newman–Keuls’ test (p<0.05). ResultsIn the absence of fluoride, 0.5% HMP promoted the lowest mineral loss and its effect was similar to that of a 250ppm F toothpaste (p>0.05). The combination of 0.5% HMP and 250ppm F resulted in lower mineral loss (p<0.05) and similar lesion depth when compared to the 1100ppm F toothpaste (p>0.05). ConclusionTo conclude, the combination of 0.5% HMP and 250ppm fluoride in a toothpaste has a similar inhibitory effect on enamel demineralization in vitro when compared to a toothpaste containing 1100ppm F. Clinical significanceThe anticaries effect of toothpaste containing 250ppm F combined with 0.5% HMP was similar to that of a 1100ppm F toothpaste, despite the 4-fold difference in F concentration. Although such effects still need to be demonstrated in clinical studies, it may be a viable alternative for preschool children.

Effect of fluoride gels supplemented with sodium trimetaphosphate in reducing demineralization

The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of low-fluoride (F) gels supplemented with sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) on enamel demineralization. Bovine enamel blocks (n = 160) were selected based on surface hardness (SH) and divided into eight treatment groups (n = 20 per group): no F or TMP (placebo), 3 % TMP (3 %TMP), 5 % TMP (5 %TMP), 4,500 μg F/g (4,500), 4,500 μg F/g + 3 % TMP (4,500 3 %TMP), 4,500 μg F/g + 5 % TMP (4,500 5 %TMP), 9,000 μg F/g (9,000), and 12,300 μg F/g (acid gel). Blocks were subjected to demineralization/remineralization cycling for 5 days. Subsequently, surface hardness (SH1) and integrated loss of subsurface hardness (ΔKHN) were assessed, and the concentrations of loosely bound (CaF2-like) and firmly bound (FA-like) formed and retained F were determined. The 4,500 5 %TMP and acid gel groups showed similar results and had the lowest mineral loss (SH1 and ∆KHN). The acid gel group had the highest concentration of CaF2-like F, but the formation and retention of FA-like F was greater in the 4,500 5 %TMP group than in the acid gel group (p < 0.05). It is possible to inhibit enamel demineralization with low-F gels supplementing these gels with 5 % TMP. The low-F gel containing TMP can be regarded as a safer alternative for clinical use from a toxicological point of view since it contains half of the amount of a conventional formulation while promoting similar anticaries effect.

In vitro anti-caries effect of fluoridated hydroxyapatite-coated preformed metal crowns

AimTo synthesise fluoridated hydroxyapatite (FA) crystals directly on preformed metal crowns (PMCs) and evaluate the anti-cariogenic properties in an in vitro model.MethodsFA crystals were grown on etched PMCs and stainless steel discs and characterised by SEM. FA-coated discs allowed fluoride release to be assessed from a known surface area of FA crystals. Discs were divided into four groups (n = 6/group) and exposed to solutions at pH 4–7. Fluoride levels in solution were measured after each exposure. Twelve FA-coated and 12 non-coated PMCs were cemented onto human molars using glass ionomer (GI) or unfilled resin, making four groups of six teeth; FA-coated + GI, FA-coated + resin; non-coated + GI and non-coated + resin. Teeth were exposed to acidified gelatin (pH = 4.3) for 9 weeks.ResultsSEM showed FA crystal growth on interior and exterior of the crowns. Average fluoride release from FA-coated discs was 0.16 mg/L/cm² at pH < 5.0. Teeth were sectioned through the lesion. Polarised microscopic examination revealed significantly smaller lesions in FA-coated crown groups compared to non-coated crown groups.ConclusionFA-coated PMCs demonstrated carious lesion preventing effects, i.e. fluoride release and reduction of demineralisation at crown/tooth interface. FA-coated crowns could be an aesthetic, inexpensive and caries preventive alternative in clinical dentistry.

Effects of Low and Standard Fluoride Toothpastes on Caries and Fluorosis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Although the anti-caries effects of standard fluoride (F) toothpastes are well established, their use by preschoolers (2- to 5-year-olds) has given rise to concerns regarding the development of dental fluorosis. Thus, a widespread support of low F toothpastes has been observed. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of low (<600 ppm) and standard (1,000-1,500 ppm) F toothpastes on the prevention of caries in the primary dentition and aesthetically objectionable (moderate to severe) fluorosis in the permanent dentition. A systematic review of clinical trials and meta-analyses were carried out. Two examiners independently screened 1,932 records and read 159 potentially eligible full-text articles. Data regarding characteristics of participants, interventions, outcomes, length of follow-up and potential of bias were independently extracted by two examiners and disagreements were solved by consensus after consulting a third examiner. In order to assess the effects of low and standard F toothpastes on the proportion of children developing caries and fluorosis, pooled relative risks (RR) and associated 95% confidence intervals were estimated using a fixed and a random-effects model, respectively. Five clinical trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Low F toothpastes significantly increased the risk of caries in primary teeth [RR = 1.13 (1.07-1.20); 4,634 participants in three studies] and did not significantly decrease the risk of aesthetically objectionable fluorosis in the upper anterior permanent teeth [RR = 0.32 (0.03-2.97); 1,968 participants in two studies]. There is no evidence to support the use of low F toothpastes by preschoolers regarding caries and fluorosis prevention.

Isolation and characterization of an antibacterial biflavonoid from an African chewing stick Garcinia kola Heckel (Clusiaceae)

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe use of African chewing sticks in maintaining oral health is widely practiced in African countries. It has been reported that chewing stick users have a lower rate of dental caries and a better general oral health than non-users. It is generally thought that the beneficial effect of chewing stick is attributed to the mechanical cleansing effect and antimicrobial substances present in the stick. However, the active antimicrobial substances remain uncharacterized. Aim of the studyTo provide a scientific basis for the anti-caries effect of African chewing sticks, the authors purify an active antibacterial compound from Garcinia kola Heckel, a Nigerian chewing stick and examined the antibacterial activity of this compound against the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans. Materials and methodsMethanol extract was prepared from Garcinia kola and was further fractionated by solvent extractions. Silica gel chromatography was used to purify the antibacterial compound from the active fraction. The identity of the purified compound was determined by NMR analysis. The antibacterial activity of the purified compound was examined by standard microbiological assays. ResultsThe antibacterial activity was found in the ether fraction and the active compound was isolated and determined to be a biflavonoid named GB1. GB1 was active against Streptococcus mutans and other oral bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 32–64μg/ml. The basis for the antibacterial effect of GB1 was investigated using Streptococcus mutans as the target. At 256μg/ml, GB1 exhibited some bacteriocidal activity against Streptococcus mutans and induced the aggregation of Streptococcus mutans. GB1 has no apparent effects on protein synthesis and DNA synthesis but inhibited glucose uptake and utilization by Streptococcus mutans suggesting that GB1 exerts its antibacterial effect by inhibiting metabolism. GB1 also inhibited the formation of water-insoluble glucan by the extracellular glucosyltransferases from Streptococcus mutans in a dose-dependent manner. Streptococcus mutans did not develop resistance to GB1 upon subculturing in the presence of sub-MIC level of the biflavonoid. ConclusionThe antibacterial effect and glucan synthesis-inhibition property of this biflavonoid may account for some of the beneficial effects reported in the chewing stick users.

细菌外排泵抑制剂对光动力疗法防龋效果的影响

细菌外排泵抑制剂对光动力疗法防龋效果的影响

细菌外排泵抑制剂对光动力疗法防龋效果的影响

细菌外排泵抑制剂对光动力疗法防龋效果的影响

Are We Ready for Definitive Clinical Guidelines on Xylitol/Polyol Use?

In the past decades, numerous studies have looked at the anticaries effects of polyols, particularly xylitol, and a great many studies have focused on xylitol's antimicrobial properties. Researched vehicles have mostly included chewing gums, followed by lozenges/candies, toothpastes, and others (e.g., syrup). Good evidence supports the claims that xylitol is non-cariogenic and has a dose-/frequency-dependent antimicrobial effect on dental plaque/mutans streptococci, and that polyol use is very safe. However, interpretation of caries data has been controversial, due in part to variability in study designs, formulations/dosages tested, and outcomes reported (e.g., many caries studies have a "no gum" control, limiting the interpretation of the polyol's benefit; few studies have compared different polyols side-by-side, or in adults). Even when the level/strength of high-quality anticaries evidence is still limited, most recent systematic reviews have consistently concluded that the habitual use of sucrose-free xylitol or polyol-combination chewing gum/ lozenges is an effective adjunct in coronal caries prevention. Consequently, many health organizations worldwide are supporting this recommendation for at-risk populations. However, most experts agree that well-designed, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials (RCTs) (focusing on efficacy, feasibility, adherence, dosage, vehicle, synergism with other preventive strategies, and cost) are still needed in target populations worldwide to reach definitive caries-preventive/therapeutic recommendations.

The effect of iron on Streptococcus mutans biofilm and on enamel demineralization

Iron (Fe) may have an anticaries effect by specific inhibition of glycosyltransferase (GTF) enzymes of Streptococcus mutans, but this hypothesis has not yet been clarified. In this study, S. mutans biofilms were formed on blocks of bovine dental enamel of a predetermined surface hardness (SH). These biofilms were exposed eight times/day to 10% sucrose, and two times/day they were subjected to one of the following treatments: G1, 0.9% NaCl as a negative control; G2, 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) as a positive antibacterial control; G3, 0.05% NaF (225 ppm F) as a positive anticaries control; G4, G5, and G6, ferrous sulfate (Fe2+) at concentrations of 1.0, 10.0, and 100.0 µg Fe/mL, respectively. The experiment was performed in triplicate and was repeated three times (n = 9). The pH of the culture medium was determined every 24 h as an indicator of the biofilm's acidogenicity. The biofilm formed on each block was collected for determination of the viable bacteria and concentration of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS). Enamel SH was again determined and the percentage of SH loss (%SHL) was calculated as an indicator of demineralization. Iron treatment reduced the number of viable bacteria formed in the S. mutans biofilm (p = 0.04), in a dose-dependent manner, and also reduced the enamel's %SHL (p = 0.005). At 100 µg/mL, Fe reduced enamel demineralization as effectively as CHX and NaF (p < 0.05), but it did not inhibit EPS production. In conclusion, the data suggest that the anticaries mechanism of action of Fe may not involve the oxidative inhibition of GTFs.

Effect of Fluoridated Milk on Enamel and Root Dentin Demineralization Evaluated by a Biofilm Caries Model

Although some studies suggest an anticaries effect of fluoridated bovine milk (F-milk) on enamel, evidence is still considered weak. Even more uncertain, the effect of F-milk on root caries remains largely unknown. This study evaluated the effect of F-milk on enamel and on root dentin demineralization using a validated Streptococcus mutans biofilm model, simulating a high cariogenic challenge. S. mutans (UA159) biofilms were formed on bovine enamel and root dentin saliva-coated slabs after measuring initial surface microhardness (SH). Biofilms were exposed to 10% sucrose 8×/day and treated 2×/day with either: (1) 0.9% NaCl (negative control), (2) bovine milk, (3) F-milk (5.0 ppm F as NaF) or (4) NaF 0.05% (anticaries-positive control). Medium pH was monitored twice/day, as a biofilm acidogenicity indicator. After 5 days for enamel and 4 days for dentin, biofilms were recovered to analyze: biomass, soluble proteins, viable microorganisms, and extra- and intracellular polysaccharides. Enamel and dentin demineralization were estimated by percentage of SH loss. Results were compared by ANOVA and Tukey’s test. Neither acidogenicity nor biofilm composition differed among treatment groups in biofilms formed on enamel or dentin (p > 0.05). F-milk, however, significantly reduced enamel and dentin demineralization when compared with the negative control (p < 0.05). Also, F-milk was as efficient as 0.05% NaF to reduce enamel (p > 0.05), but not dentin demineralization (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that milk containing 5.0 ppm of fluoride is effective to control enamel caries and that it may be effective on root dentin caries prevention.

불소 유리로 본 불소 함유 수복재

치과용 수복재에서 불소의 치질강화와 항우식 효과를 알아보기 위해 각 재료에서 불소 유리량의 차이와 불소 유리의 지속성을 실험하였다. 실험에 사용된 수복재는 Ionoseal, Fuji Filling LC, Quadrant Universal LC, PermaCem<TEX>$^{(R)}$</TEX>, Dyract<TEX>$^{(R)}$</TEX> AP 등 5종이였고, 불소유리량 실험에는 ICS-5000 Reagent-FreeTM Ion Chromatography가 이용되어 다음과 같은 결론을 얻었다. 1. 모든 종류의 수복재에서 시간 경과 후 불소 유리량이 감소하였고, 4주 후에는 유의 할 만큼 급감하였다. Fuji Filling LC(12.446 PPM)와 PermaCem<TEX>$^{(R)}$</TEX>(16.008 PPM)는 장기간 불소가 유리하는 것으로 나타났다(P<.001). 2. Ionoseal(0.887 PPM), Quadrant Universal LC(0.957 PPM)는 1주 후부터 1 PPM 이하의 소량의 불소를 유리하였고, Dyract<TEX>$^{(R)}$</TEX> AP는 1주 후에 8.631 PPM 유리하였다가 2, 4주 후에는 급감하여 각각 0.175 PPM, 0.116 PPM을 유리하여 많은 시간 경과 후에는 불소 유리 효과가 미흡한 것으로 나타났다(P<.001). 3. Fuji Filling LC와 PermaCem<TEX>$^{(R)}$</TEX>은 1주 경과 후 각각 33.372, 1.901 PPM의 불소를 유리하였으나, 2주 후에는 급격히 많은 36.370, 18.223 PPM의 불소를 유리하여 2주 후에 가장 많은 불소를 유리한 것으로 나타났다(P<.001). 따라서 치과용 충전 수복재의 불소 유리에 가장 효과적인 재료는 레진 강화형 글래스아이오노머와 콤포머 제품으로 나타났고, 미세누출로 인한 불소의 항우식 효과를 보기위한 제품 선택 시 고려되어야 할 사항인 것 같다. 제조회사의 매뉴얼에 나타나는 항우식 효과는 본 실험과 큰 차이를 보였다. 또한 향후 In Vitro 상태에서 레진 강화형 글래스아이오노머와 콤포머 제품에 대한 더 오랜 시간 실험을 통해 불소유리의 지속시간 확인을 위한 계속적인 연구의 필요성을 느꼈다. Restoration materials used to investigate effects of fluorine such as enamel strengthening and anti-caries effects in several types of dental restoration materials were five kinds including Ionoseal(VOCO GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany), Fuji Filling LC(GC Co. Tokyo, Japan), Quadrant Universal LC(CAVEX Holland BV, Netherlands), PermaCem<TEX>$^{(R)}$</TEX>(DMG, Hamburg, Germany) and Dyract<TEX>$^{(R)}$</TEX> AP(Dentsply GmbH, Germany), and the amount of fluorine-releasing was measured with ICS-5000 Reagent-FreeTM Ion Chromatography(RFICTM, Dionex, U.S.A.). The results of this study are as follows. 1. In all types of restoration materials, the amount of fluoride-releasing was reduced with time passage and it was declined sharply to show significance in four weeks. Fuji Filling LC(12.445PPM) or resin-reinforced glass ionomer and PermaCem<TEX>$^{(R)}$</TEX>(16.121PPM) or compomer were found to release fluorine for a long term(P<.001). 2. Ionoseal(0.887PPM) or glass ionomer and Quadrant Universal LC(0.957PPM) or composite resin released a few fluorine of 1PPM or less than 1PPM after one week, and Dyract<TEX>$^{(R)}$</TEX> AP or compomer released fluorine of 8.631PPM in one week and its amount of releasing decreased dramatically in two and four week by recording 0.175PPM and 0.116PPM, respectively. Therefore, the effect of releasing fluorine in four weeks was observed to be poor (P<.001). 3. Fuji Filling LC or resin-reinforced glass ionomer and PermaCem<TEX>$^{(R)}$</TEX> or compomer released fluorine of 33.372 and 1.902PPM, respectively in one week and their amount of releasing increased to be 36.371 and 18.223PPM, respectively in two weeks. So, their amount of fluorine-releasing recorded the highest levels in two weeks(P<.001).

Differences in loosely bound fluoride formation and anticaries effect of resin‐based fluoride varnishes

OBJECTIVE. Our in vitro study evaluated calcium fluoride formation in enamel and the anticaries effect of seven resin-based varnishes under cariogenic challenge. METHODS. Enamel blocks were subjected to pH cycling. The experimental groups received fluoride varnish application, the positive control received topical fluoride gel treatment, and the negative control did not receive any treatment. The pH cycling surface hardness (SH1 ) and integrated loss of subsurface hardness (ΔKHN) were then determined. We measured the amount of fluoride released into the demineralizing and remineralizing (DE-RE) solutions used in pH cycling. The fluoride concentration in the enamel was determined 24 h after application of the products as loosely bound fluoride and firmly bound fluoride. RESULTS. Higher deposits of loosely bound fluoride were observed for Duofluorid, followed by Biophat. For Duraphat, Bifluorid, Duraflur, and Duofluorid, no difference was observed in the SH1 and ΔKHN values, with the lowest mineral loss compared to the other groups. The Bifluorid and Duofluorid groups released high fluoride amounts into the DE-RE, and statistically significant difference was noted between them. CONCLUSIONS. The anticaries effect showed no correlation with higher deposited fluoride amounts, resin type, or fluoride source.

Anticaries effect of dentifrices with calcium citrate and sodium trimetaphosphate

Because of the growing concerns regarding fluoride ingestion by young children and dental fluorosis, it is necessary to develop new dentifrices.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dentifrices with calcium citrate (Cacit) and sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) on enamel demineralization. Material and MethodsEnamel blocks (n=70), previously selected through surface hardness analysis, were submitted to daily treatment with dentifrices diluted in artificial saliva and to a pH-cycling model. The fluoride concentration in dentifrices was 0, 250, 450, 550, 1,000 and 1,100 µg F/g. CrestTM was used as a positive control (1,100 mg F/g). Cacit (0.25%) and TMP (0.25%) were added to dentifrices with 450 and 1,000 µg F/g. Surface hardness was measured again and integrated loss of subsurface hardness and fluoride concentration in enamel were calculated. Parametric and correlation tests were used to determine difference (p<0.05) and dose-response relationship between treatments. ResultsThe addition of Cacit and TMP did not provide a higher fluoride concentration in enamel, however it reduced (p<0.05) mineral loss when compared to other dentifrices; the dentifrice with Cacit and TMP and a low fluoride concentration presented similar results when compared to a dentifrice with 1,100 mg F/g (p>0.05). ConclusionsDentifrices with 450 and 1,000 µg F/g, Cacit and TMP were as effective as a gold standard one.

Evaluation of plant and fungal extracts for their potential antigingivitis and anticaries activity.

The link between diet and health has lead to the promotion of functional foods which can enhance health. In this study, the oral health benefits of a number of food homogenates and high molecular mass and low molecular mass fractions were investigated. A comprehensive range of assays were performed to assess the action of these foods on the development of gingivitis and caries using bacterial species associated with these diseases. Both antigingivitis and anticaries effects were investigated by assays examining the prevention of biofilm formation and coaggregation, disruption of preexisting biofilms, and the foods' antibacterial effects. Assays investigating interactions with gingival epithelial cells and cytokine production were carried out to assess the foods' anti- gingivitis properties. Anti-caries properties such as interactions with hydroxyapatite, disruption of signal transduction, and the inhibition of acid production were investigated. The mushroom and chicory homogenates and low molecular mass fractions show promise as anti-caries and anti-gingivitis agents, and further testing and clinical trials will need to be performed to evaluate their true effectiveness in humans.

Biological Activities of Salvadora persica L. (Meswak)

Salvadora persica L., commonly known as the Meswak tree, occurs in shrub savannah. From northwestern India to Africa, the plant has been valued for its important biological and chemical perspectives and its use in as oral hygiene has been documented in ethno botanical reports. The present review gives a comprehensive summary of the chemical constituents and biological effects (antibacterial and antifungal) of this species. A comprehensive account of the chemical constituents with their biological activity is also included. The extracts prepared with and compounds isolated from this species have been found to possess a broad spectrum of biological and pharmacological effects, such as antidepressant effects, wound-healing, antiviral and antimicrobial activity. Moreover, the extracts and preparations from the plant, which are hopefully safe as is evident from its ethonobotanical studies, exhibited various additional biological effects like antigingival irritation, hypoglycemia, antioxidant, antifever, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-caries and antiplatelet-agression effect. The antibacterial activity of crude extracts can be related to the use of the herb as an oral hygiene in ancient times. The available literature indicates that it has a higher antibacterial activity against oral bacteria, and aqueous extracts were shown to possess more pronounced activity than alcoholic extracts (methanolic/ethanolic). Based on the chemical and pharmacological characteristics of S. persica, we concluded that this species has beneficial therapeutic properties, and has the potential for use as an effective adaptogenic herbal remedy.

The Anticaries Effect of a Food Extract (Shiitake) in a Short-Term Clinical Study

The main objective was to investigate whether low-molecular-weight fraction of edible mushroom shiitake extract (Lentinus edodes) possesses caries-preventive properties. The study was designed as a double-blind, three-leg, cross-over, randomized, controlled clinical trial carried out on two series of volunteers at the University of Gothenburg, and the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam. Volunteers rinsed twice daily with a solution containing low-molecular-weight fraction of edible mushroom, placebo (negative control without active ingredients), or Meridol (positive control, AmF-SnF2) for two weeks, with a two-week washout period between each rinsing period. Changes in the acidogenicity of dental plaque before and after a sucrose challenge, shifts in microbial composition, and plaque scores were determined. Frequent rinses with shiitake reduced the metabolic activity of dental plaque. No reduction of plaque scores and no inhibition of the production of organic acids in plaque was found. Minor differences in microbial composition between test sessions were found. To conclude, the results indicate that shiitake extract has anticariogenic potential, but not to the same extent as the positive control.

Therapeutic effect of glass‐ionomers: an overview of evidence

The requirements for an ideal restorative material include adhesion to tooth structure (enamel and dentine) and an ability to withstand the traumas of occlusion. However, some level of an anticaries effect is also desirable. After a long history of glass-ionomer cement (GIC) development, an evidence base in support of the therapeutic effect of GIC, particularly with regard to its anticaries effect, is emerging. This evidence is increasingly presented through systematic reviews of clinical GIC application and, to a certain extent, relates to a caries-preventive effect of the material itself. However, the strength of evidence supporting other aspects of GIC, such as a higher remineralizing effect, fluoride uptake in hard tooth tissue and fluoride release of GIC, is limited. Nevertheless, the results of these in situ and laboratory trials provide valuable insights into factors that facilitate understanding of the clinical efficacy of GIC.